Wilbur Thoreson

Wilbur Arleigh Thoreson passed away January 25, 2016 at the Frederic Nursing & Rehabilitation Community at age 97. Wilbur was born April 8, 1918 to Ed and Jennie Thoreson. He was baptized at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, confirmed at the Swedish Lutheran Church, and was a lifelong member of the English Lutheran and later Faith Lutheran Churches in Grantsburg. He attended several schools, graduating from Grade School at Falun, WI and Grantsburg High School in 1937. Wilbur drove truck for the Burnett County Highway Dept. and George Norine Trucking and later worked as a Substitute Clerk at the Grantsburg Post Office. Wilbur married Elizabeth (Betty) Olson in 1942. They had three children. He was inducted into the Army and served training combat infantry replacements at several bases in the southern states. He was discharged a 1st Lieutenant in 1945, then to serve as Burnett County Register of Deeds. Wilbur joined the American Legion Post 185 in Grantsburg and had 70 years of continuous membership, serving as Commander in 1955, Sergeant-at-Arms for 22 years and directing the military escort. He, along with Marlin Sundquist (Mr. American Legion), organized the first Legion ice fishing contests. Wilbur was a Rural Mail Carrier for 31 years, retiring in 1981. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends, golf, bowling, cheering for the Minnesota Twins, and traveling with Betty, his wonderful wife of 64 years, and his family. Preceding Wilbur in death are his parents; brothers, Maurice Thoreson and Maynard Thoreson; wife, Betty, and great grandchildren, Elijah Miller and Lindsi Wallin. He is survived by his daughter, Karen (Leon) Miller of Grantsburg; sons, Steve Thoreson of Webster and Eric (Mary) Thoreson of Rice Lake; grandchildren, Jeff Miller, Kevin Miller, Jennifer Wallin, and Emily Thoreson; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and his black Labrador, Duke. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at 11:00am (visitation 10:00am – 11:00am) at Faith Lutheran Church in Grantsburg. Pastor Sandy Hutchens will officiate. Interment with full military honors will be held at Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers are Mike Thoreson, Ron Thoreson, Jeff Miller, Kevin Miller, Eric Wallin and Matt Miller. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com